Minimum Hardware Requirements.
On this page you find detailed information in relation to the hardware requirements that have to be met when implementing the wInner system. The purpose of this information is to enable your hardware vendor to provide the correct hardware and components. It is very important that these guidelines are met in order to ensure the proper functioning of the wInner system.
General Recommendations.
Planet wInner strongly recommends to use business (professional) PC’s of a quality make such as HP, IBM, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens etc. (This applies to the system units and network components. For the printer and screen this is less important). The advantage of these machines is that they come with factory guarantees, and the manufacturer keeps spares in stock for a long period.
The use of Clone PC's is dicouraged. Experience proves that in case of problems using clone PC’s, often there is no fall back onto manufacturers guarantees and repairs could be costly if not impossible (depending on the age of the machine and the type of problem). Microsoft software such as Windows does not always have the required drivers for unknown video-, sound- or, network-card which makes you dependant on the manufacturer’s drivers. It would not be the first time that we witness Windows systems being unstable due to incompatible hardware components or drivers.
Since the hardware is used for a professional purpose, it is advisable to consider investing a little more in order to avoid potential problems later. When you buy hardware today which does not function properly after purchase, this can cost a multitude of the purchase price in lost time, phone calls, technician interventions etc.
Important comment.
It is important to verify that the hardware and / or software that you buy is compatible with the operating system (Windows version) in use on the computer. Software and Hardware usually carry a label that indicates this compatibility. e.g. " Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista Compatible"
Platform.
The wInner system can be implemented in various system environments depending on the size of your hotel:
 | ‘Stand-Alone’ configuration.
wInner can be installed on a single PC configuration. This configuration is the perfect solution for the smaller business. The database used in this configuration is Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition. |
 | 'Workgroup’ configuration.
In this configuration a limited nr of PC's is connected in a network without network server. In this scenario, the database is installed on one of the PC's in the network, usually the most powerfull machine. The database used in this configuration is Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition. |
 | Client Server netwerk.
This configuration is a larger network with a network server present. The database used in this configuration is Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition. |
Hardware Specificaties.
Server.
In relation to the server PC, it is important to note that the goal of this machine is to host the wInner database, as well as the wInner interface software (software that communicates with external systems such as PayTV, Keycard etc.). Following recommendations should be followed:
- It is highly discouraged to use this same machine to implement other software solutions such as Keycard software, PABX Software, Music Management systems, Domotic software etc. The past has proven that this type of application can interfere with the proper functioning of the server, and as a consequence with the proper functioning of wInner. In order to guarantee a reliable and stable wInner installation it is very important to honour this rule.
- The specifications of the server depend on the size of your business and the number of workstation that are linked to this server. The specifications listed in this document are for a standard server machine for a system with 15 workstations.
- Please also note that the recommendations listed here are applicable to the use of the wInner database and software. In case you wish to implement other functions on the server such as Microsoft Exchange, Backup Software, Antivirus software, other databases etc, you should carefully examine the specifications requirements and add these to the requirements listed below.
Server hardware.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
- Server machine with monoprocessor
- Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo
- 1 Gb Ram memory
- Harddisc 150 Gb
- Networkcard
- Power supply
- Videocard supporting a resolution of 1024 x 768
| - Server with dual processor
- Quad Core Intel Xeon
- 2 Gb Ram memory
- Raid systeem with 3 harddiscs of 150 Gb
- Double networkcard
- Double power supply
- Videocard supporting a resolution of 1024 x 768
|
Server software.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
- Microsoft Windows Server version 2000
- Latest Service Packs installed
- All Microsoft updates installed
- 'Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard' software with sufficient 'Client Access Licences'* (CAL’s) in line with the nr of workstations in use. 1 CAL per workstation is required.
* In case you do not have the SQL Server software, it can be supplied by Planet wInner as an 'embedded' license (this means that the SQL server software can only be used with the wInner application) at a very interesting price. | - Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition2003
- or -
Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 R2 - Latest Service Packs installed
- All Microsoft updates installed
- 'Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard' software with sufficient 'Client Access Licences'* (CAL’s) in line with the nr of workstations in use. 1 CAL per workstation is required.
* In case you do not have the SQL Server software, it can be supplied by Planet wInner as an 'embedded' license (this means that the SQL server software can only be used with the wInner application) at a very interesting price. |
Remote support.
In order to guarantee the remote support service it is imperative that the facilities exist to establish a connection to the hotel’s platform (secured access controlled by the hotel). Following infrastructure is required:
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
- Internet Connexion ADSL or Kabel.
- or -
VPN access. In this scenario Planet wInner uses LogmeIn.com, an Internet application that allows to securely remote control a PC following approval of the user. In this 'minimum' scenario the user has to open the access upon request by Planet wInner, also if access is needed to the server. In case the server is in a separate location or is not accessible by the staff (e.g. at night) we do not advise to use this scenario. | - Internet connexion ADSL or Kabel, with fixed IP Address.
- or -
VPN access. - Symantec PcAnywhere 12.5 or higher.
- The IP Ports used by PcAnywhere should be open on the router and forwarded to the server (where PcAnywhere runs).
This recommended solution offers an extra level of security and permits the user to follow-up on connexions that were made. PcAnywhere offers an additional level of security and a connexion that is faster than LogMeIn.com which in turn means faster remote support. |
Server backup en veiligheid.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
| Backup. It is higly advisable to implement a backup mechanism. Several solutions exist and the choice of product is free (via your hardware vendor). The wInner system is configured to run automatic backups of the wInner database and copy this backup to a specified location on the harddisk of the server. A mechanism needs to be implemented to backup these copies to an external medium. Usually a backup mechanism will not only backup these database copies bu can be configured to backup the whole server. | Backup - A professional Backup solution such as Yosemite Backup or Symantec BackuExec.
- External harddisk(s) where backups are copied to.
It may also be interesting to implement a UPS (Uninteruptible Power Supply). In case of power failure, this device will enable the server to continue operation during a limited period (= battery capacity). It allows to properly shutdown the server in case of longer power failure situations. |
| Security. Planet wInner recommends to implement an antivirus solution that functions properly. This is not an obligation for the proper functioning of the wInner software, but nowadays it is big risk when not implementing one. The cost incurred to fix or clean virus-infected computers is much higher than implementing an anti-virus product. On top of that, a virus infection could result in data loss. | Security. An anti-virus / anti-malware solution with automatic updates, on the server as well as on the workstations. |
Workstations.
The criteria outlined below are applicable to both Front Office and EPOS workstations.
Werkstation Hardware.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
- 100% IBM Compatibele PC with Intel Motherboard.
- Pentium 4 Processor, minimum 850 MHz.
- Minimum 512 MB RAM or more.
- 32 GB harddisc or more.
- Videocard supporting a resolution of 1024 x 768.
- CD-ROM station
| - 100% IBM Compatibele PC with Intel Motherboard.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Processor 2.33 Ghz.
- Minimum 1 Gb RAM or more.
- 50 GB harddisc or more.
- Videocard supporting resolution of 1024 x 768.
- CD-ROM or DVD station.
|
Workstation Software.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
- Windows 2000 with latest service pack and Microsoft Updates installed.
| - Windows XP or higher. Latest Service Pack installed as well as all Microsoft Updates.
- Antivirus Solution. (Also refer to server)
|
Workstation Ports.
| Recommendations. |
| Depending on the peripheral devices (printers, screens, cashdrawer...) that you wish to connect the workstation has to be equipped with the correct and sufficient ports. Depending on the type of equipment the machine will require one or more USB, Parallel or serial ports. For EPOS machines take into account the printer(s), touchscreen, cashdrawer and other peripherals you wish to connect when considering the required ports. |
Pocket Devices.
Recommendations below apply to the use of Pocket PC devices for the Pocket POS product.
Pocket Hardware.
| Minimum requirements: | Recommendations: |
| The type and make of the device can vary as long as following conditions are met: - The device has a screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. A higher resolution can NOT be used since the screen design of wInner Pocket-POS is built on a 240 X 320 pixel resolution.
- The device needs to be equipped with WLAN Wireless network adapter. wInner Pocket POS application is run using the Terminal Services client and as such the device needs full and continuous WLAN network connectivity
- Toestel must be installed with PocketPc 2003 (or higher version).
| - A professional device that has been validated by Planet wInner is the UNITECH PA500. This device responds to all requirements.
- Link to the Unitech PA500 product information. Please use this website if you wish to find distributors of this device in your country.
- Other professional devices are elegible for use although these will have to be validated (tested) before proper functioning can be confirmed.
|
Peripheral devices.
Onderstaande minimum eisen en aanbevolen criteria gelden voor de randaparatuur.
Monitors and Touchscreens
| Recommendations: |
- Screen resolution needs to support 1024x768.
- Although not obliged, Touchscreen monitors are recommended since the software (screens) is designed for use with a touchscreen.
- It is also possible to use a standard monitor. In this case a standard mouse is used to operate the system.
- For more details please refer to the section 'recommended hardware' below.
|
Report printers.
| Recommendations: |
- Preferably laser printer as these offer high quality and speed. (Please note to have at least an 8PPM printer).
- At reception we recommend a laserprinter at highspeed (24 PPM).
- In case you wish to print you company logo on guest documents (invoice, confirmation letter etc.) a colour laserprinter might be an interesting option.
- It is of course also possible to use an inkjet printer however these are usually slower and the cost of ink cartridges can be high.
|
POS printers.
| Recommendations: |
- Ticket Printer.
For the POS system, each workstation typically uses a thermal voucher / check printer. These can be ‘Epson TM-T88IV’, 'Epson TM-T90 or ‘Star TSP100’ or 'Star TSP100GT' printers. For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page.
- Keuken Printer.
As kitchen printer a matrix printer is recommended such as the “Star SP500” or “Epson TMU220” Roll printer. Typically a kitchen printer is integrated in the network by means of a print-server device (pls ensure that the port type of the print server matches the port type on the printer).
The kitchen printers can also be connected to a serial port however the cable distance is limited to 15 meters.
For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page. |
Cashdrawer.
| Recommendations: |
- Automatic Cashdrawers can be used with the wInner POS software. The cashdrawer is typically connected to the tickt printer that in turn drives the cashdrawer.
- For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page.
|
Identification Systems.
| Recommendations: |
- De wInner system supports 2 types of identification systems either with a key or magnetic stripe card:
- Magnetic Card Reader. This device allows waiters to identify themselves with the POS system using a magnetic stripe card (Badge).
- Proximity Reader. This device allows identification using a RFid key with encryted code.
- For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page.
|
Credit Card reader.
| Recommendations: |
- When implementing the credit card interface with 3C, a credit card reader is necessary.
- For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page.
|
EID Reader (Electronic Indentity Card reader).
| Recommendations: |
- This function applies to the Belgian market where the EId is in use.
- In case you wish to integrate the EID to read and update guest profiles from the ID card, an EID reader is required.
- For manufacturer details, please refer to the information further on this page.
|
Recommended Hardware.
The wInner software runs on standard hardware. Apart from normal PC's, a whole range of special peripherals can be used. Planet wInner has validated a number of such devices and tested them in combination with the wInner system. Here is a list of devices that have been tested and validated.
Touchscreens.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| ELO Touchscreens. | Elo TouchSystems, Inc
6500 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, CA 94555 Sales and Product Information:
Tel: 510-739-5016
Tel: 1-800-ELO-TOUCH (toll free)
Tel: 1-800-356-8682 (toll free)
Tel: 510-739-4600
Fax: 510-790-0627
E-mail: eloinfo@elotouch.com
web: www.elotouch.com
Tyco Electronics UK Ltd.
(Elo TouchSystems Division)
Faraday Road, Dorcan, Swindon
Wiltshire SN3 5HH
United Kingdom
Contact: Paul Grigg
Tel: +44 1793 573347
Fax: +44 1793 573345
E-mail: Pgrigg@elotouch.com
http://www.elotouch.co.uk/ |
Integrated POS machine.
| Toshiba ST-A10. - Integrated POS machine.
- Please consult the Toshiba website for more information or technical specifications.
| TOSHIBA TEC Europe Retail Information Systems N.V.
Operaties in de Benelux
Celideestraat, 33
BE-1080 Brussel
België
Tel.: +32 (0)2 410 21 00
Fax: +32 (0)2 410 68 69 http://www.toshibatec.com
email: info@toshibatec-eu.be |
POS thermal ticket printers.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| Star Micronics thermal printer. - Type: Star TSP100 thermal receipt printer.
- Connectivity: USB or Ethernet (TSP100LAN type).
- Ports: Cash drawer output.
- Auto cutter: Yes.
| Star Micronics EMEA - Head Office - POS Printers
Star House
Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 7DL, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Fax: + 44 (0) 1494 473333
E-Mail: sales@star-emea.com
www.Star-EMEA.com |
| Star Micronics thermal printer. - Type: Star TSP100GT thermal receipt printer.
- Connectivity: USB or Ethernet (TSP100GTLAN type).
- Ports: Cash drawer output.
- Auto cutter: Yes.
| Star Micronics EMEA - Head Office - POS Printers
Star House
Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 7DL, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Fax: + 44 (0) 1494 473333
E-Mail: sales@star-emea.com
www.Star-EMEA.com
|
| Epson thermal printer. - Type: Epson TM-T88IV thermal receipt printer.
- Connectivity: RS232, Parallel, USB or Ethernet.
- Ports: Cash drawer output.
- Auto cutter: Yes.
 | Epson (UK) Ltd.
Campus 100, Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TJ
U.K. Tel: +44 0871 222 6702
Web: http://www.epson.co.uk/Retail-Solutions/Industry-solutions/Retail |
| Epson thermal printer. - Type: Epson TM-T90 thermal receipt printer.
- Connectivity: RS232, Parallel, USB or Ethernet.
- Ports: Cash drawer output.
- Auto cutter: Yes.
| Epson (UK) Ltd.
Campus 100, Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TJ
U.K. Tel: +44 0871 222 6702
Web: http://www.epson.co.uk/Retail-Solutions/Industry-solutions/Retail |
| Toshiba Thermal Ticket Printer. - Type: TOSHIBA TRST-A10
- Connectivity: USB
- Ports: Cash Drawer Output.
- Auto Cutter: Yes
| TOSHIBA TEC Europe Retail Information Systems N.V.
Operaties in de Benelux
Celideestraat, 33
BE-1080 Brussel
België
Tel.: +32 (0)2 410 21 00
Fax: +32 (0)2 410 68 69 http://www.toshibatec.com
email: info@toshibatec-eu.be |
POS Kitchen printers. Matrix printers.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| Star Micronics Matrix printer. - Type: Star SP500 matrix printer.
- Connectivity: Serial, Parallal, USB or Ethernet available.
- Auto cutter: Both 'Tear-bar' and Autocutter versions available.
| Star Micronics EMEA - Head Office - POS Printers
Star House
Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 7DL, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Fax: + 44 (0) 1494 473333
E-Mail: sales@star-emea.com
www.Star-EMEA.com
|
| Epson Matrix printer. - Type: Epson TMU220 Matrix printer.
- Connectivity: RS232, Parallel, USB or Ethernet.
- Auto cutter: Yes.
| Epson (UK) Ltd.
Campus 100, Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TJ
U.K. Tel: +44 0871 222 6702
Web: http://www.epson.co.uk/Retail-Solutions/Industry-solutions/Retail |
POS Cashdrawer.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| Cashdrawer for POS systems. Automated cashdrawers are connected to the Ticket printer. Input Voltage & Current DC 24 Volt 1A . 2 or 3 position lock . Type that has been validated: Star Micronics, type CB-80 , CB-82 of CB-92 
| Star Micronics EMEA - Head Office - POS Printers
Star House
Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 7DL, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Fax: + 44 (0) 1494 473333
E-Mail: sales@star-emea.com
www.Star-EMEA.com |
Magnetic Cardreader.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| Identification system using magnetic stripe cards. Cards are read using an MSR (Magnetic Stripe Reader). Type: KT-2000 Series Magnetic card swipe. KT2210 or KT2230. Interface: RS-232. 
| KDE
Young B/D 350-1
Gill Dong, Kangdong-gu
Seoul City, Korea
KDE Website
|
Proximity Reader.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| Identification system using RFid technology. A key containing a secured RFid code is read by device called proximity reader.
For each device you also need to order a power adaptor as this is not included with the device.
This device uses an RS-232 connection, so it is important to foresee a free RS-232 port on the POS machine. Type that was validated: Proximity Reader:
Type: PCR212-BL
Description: EM4102 desktop reader RS232 black. Power supply:
Type: APR-1012
Description: Power adaptor wall mount 9V 0.5A for PCR series 
The proximity reader is used together with keychain tags for indentifiaction. These key Tags contain an RFID chip and are used as electronic key with the proximity reader. Benodigd Type: TAG25KB Key Ring Tag 
| GIGA-TMS Inc.
8F, No. 31, Lane 169
Kang Ning Street
Hsi-Chih
Taipei
Taiwan 221
Tel: (886 2) 26954214
Fax: (886 2) 26954213 http://www.gigatms.com.tw/ |
RS-232 Port extention. USB -> RS232.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| In some situations you may need extr RS-232 ports: - On the server in case of multiple interfaces.
- On POS machines in case you need to connect peripherals.
A computer usually has 1 RS-232 port and in many cases the nr of ports needs to be extended. In this case a device is required called an RS-232 port extender like the Digi-Edgeport. We strongly advise to use the Digi edgeport if extra RS-232 ports are needed. We have tested numerous similar devices raden U aan om te werken met het toestel Digi-Edgeport USB dat werd gevalideerd.  | Digi International
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka
MN 55343
U.S.A.
Tel:+1 800 344-4273
+1 952 912-3444
Fax: +1 952 912-4952
Web: www.digi.com |
Creditcard Readers.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| This device is used to read credit cards when using the 3C interface and is usually integrated in the keyboard. Each PC where you whish to use the creditcard functionalities should be equipped with such keyboard. Type that was validated is: G81-8000LPBBE/07  | Cherry Electrical Products Ltd.
Unit L, Airport Executive Park
President Way
Luton, Beds
United Kingdom LU2 9NY Phone:+44 (0)1582 506140 Fax:+44 (0)1582 506176
Web: www.cherrycorp.com |
EID Cardlezers.
| Recommendations: | Manufacturer. |
| The EId cardreader is used to read the Belgian Electronic Identity Card and is directly integrate in the keyboard.. Each PC where you want to be able to read EID's should be equipped with an EID reader. Type validated is: G83-6744LUABE-2 
| Cherry Electrical Products Ltd.
Unit L, Airport Executive Park
President Way
Luton, Beds
United Kingdom LU2 9NY Phone:+44 (0)1582 506140 Fax:+44 (0)1582 506176
Web: www.cherrycorp.com |
| Standalon EID reader is connected via a USB port to the computer. EID USB Kaartlezer van het merk Cherry. Each PC where you want to be able to read EID's should be equipped with an EID reader. Type validated is: ST-1044UB 
| Cherry Electrical Products Ltd.
Unit L, Airport Executive Park
President Way
Luton, Beds
United Kingdom LU2 9NY Phone:+44 (0)1582 506140 Fax:+44 (0)1582 506176
Web: www.cherrycorp.com |
